In Valley Village, where several reputable dental clinics are located, we always try to prevent cavities by brushing and flossing every day. You might see that while some people do not develop cavities regularly, you do. 

Although it may not seem fair, there are other factors—that you may not be aware of—that contribute to protecting teeth from decay. Besides routinely brushing and flossing, there are more ways to lower your risk of cavities. For more information, contact a family dentist in Valley Village, CA.

Why some individuals are more prone to cavities than others?

1. The acid content

Acid eats away at the tooth structure, creating a carious lesion or cavity.  Oral bacteria, especially Lactobacillus Casei or Streptococcus Mutans, are the leading suppliers of this acid.  Most mouths, if not all of them, contain these bacteria.  But the amount varies from person to person. It is believed that mother-to-child transmission happens due to the quantity of these bacteria in the mouth. This connection, though, is a little unreliable. However, some people are more likely to develop cavities because they have higher levels of these germs in their mouths.

2. Might be genetic 

Genetics plays a role in oral hygiene, including cavities, as it does in most health problems. Some are more at risk than others due to weak dental structure, abnormalities in the mouth and teeth, or other factors.  Genetics affects a person’s likelihood of having cavities in one way or another.

3. Saliva content

Saliva has a variety of functions. Food digestion, maintaining oral moisture, salivary buffering, and other activities. Saliva’s ion concentration and buffering ability play an essential part in the development or absence of cavities. Cavities can be prevented by the basic qualities of saliva, which can neutralize the acid that bacteria produce. The saliva of some people is less acidic than that of others, making it more helpful in preventing cavities. Furthermore, saliva’s ability to remineralize and maintain the strength of tooth enamel improves with its basicity.

4. Teeth Forms

Teeth with extensive pits and ridges, or those that are extremely “groovy,” are more prone to cavities than teeth that are flatter and less ridged. Because genetics plays a significant role in tooth shape, specific individuals may be more affected than others in this area. 

5. Daily intake of sugar

The last, and probably least significant, element is how much sugar is consumed. It is also the one that gets discussed the most.  The food that oral bacteria require to produce the acid that triggers cavities is sugar, namely sucrose.  This is an accepted notion, and the majority of dentists would advise against having large amounts of sugar, especially stick sweets like caramels, if you want to avoid getting cavities.  Studies, however, have debunked this theory and shown that sugar is undoubtedly not the main important element. 

How can you lower the risk of cavities?

You can take specific actions to lower your chance of getting cavities. This does not guarantee that you will never have cavities again, but it does show that you are making significant changes to your oral hygiene routine and making an intentional attempt to stop decay in its tracks.

• Regular Visits to Your Dentist: You must keep up with your scheduled dental appointments. These checkups help with spotting any cavities and allow the dentist to treat issues early on before they worsen.
• Lower Your Diet’s Sugar Content: Try to avoid sugar-rich foods and beverages.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Make sure you clean and floss your teeth at least twice a day. By doing this, decay-causing plaque accumulation will be lessened.
• Use Fluoride-Containing Toothpaste: Fluoride-containing toothpaste helps protect teeth against decay.
• Use mouthwash: If the mouthwash contains fluoride, it can help avoid cavities by helping to rinse away bacteria.

You can avoid making multiple visits to the dentist by being aware of how to prevent cavities. Maintaining good dental health can help avoid dental problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices will help you retain healthy teeth and an enjoyable mouth.